Device and method for automatic transfer of car in parking system

ABSTRACT

Device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, the device including a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car thereon, a first elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting some of wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including at least one first leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a first supplementary frame for moving up together with the first leg, and a second elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting rest of the wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including at least one second leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a second supplementary frame for moving up together with the second leg, thereby transferring the car lifted by the first and second elevating parts to another platform the main frame desires, and permitting fast loading/unloading of the car.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the Korean Application No. P2002-60760 filed on Oct. 4, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an automated car parking system, and more particularly, to device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system.

[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0005] Currently, the automated car parking system is used widely for effective parking of lots of cars within a limited space. The parking system is provided with a construction, such as a parking building, or a parking tower having a plurality of parking space, and a transporting and transfer mechanism provided in the construction for loading/unloading the car.

[0006] The parking system has car supporting plates, called as a pallet, for parking the car. In more detail, when a car stops on a ground in the vicinity of an entrance to the construction for parking the car, the entrance is opened. Then, as the pallet is located on a floor inside of the construction, the driver is required to drive the car to a location on the pallet. Thereafter, the driver is required to get out of the entrance, gives a parking instruction to a control panel fitted to the entrance, so that a transporting mechanism, such as an elevator, transports the pallet having the car thereon. Then, the transporting mechanism pushes the car into the parking space together with the pallet, to finish the car parking. Therefore, every parking space requires the pallet.

[0007] However, the related art parking system using the pallets has the following problems.

[0008] First, much time is required for loading/unloading the car into/out of the car parking system.

[0009] For an example, when the car is loaded on the parking system, at first, it is required that the transporting mechanism moves to an empty parking space, takes an empty pallet, and moves to the entrance. Moreover, when the parking system is required to load cars on the parking spaces continuously, much time period is required since the foregoing process is required to be repeated. In unloading the cars from the parking spaces inside of the parking system, before taking out another car, the transporting mechanism is required to place the pallet for a first car to a first car parking space after taking out the first car from the first car parking space. Thus, because much time period is required for placing and taking out the pallet into/out of the parking spaces, the loading/unloading of cars into/from the parking system requires much time period. Consequently, waiting time of drivers at the entrance of the parking system is prolonged, causing the entrance crowded with drivers and inconvenience of the drivers.

[0010] Second, the parking system is complicated and cumbersome since every parking space requires a pallet, and an additional facility for the pallet is required, to cause many mal-operation and high installation and maintenance cost.

[0011] Third, the pallet has a size larger than the car for supporting the car, to cause vibration and noise during the large sized pallet is placed/taken into/out of the parking space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which permits fast loading and unloading of the car into/out of a parking system.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which has a simple structure.

[0015] Further object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which has low vibration and noise.

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0017] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system includes a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car to be parked thereon, a first elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting some of wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including at least one first leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a first supplementary frame for moving up together with the first leg, and a second elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting rest of the wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including, at least one second leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a second supplementary frame for moving up together with the second leg, thereby transferring the car lifted by the first and second elevating parts to another platform the main frame desires.

[0018] The main frame includes wheels and supplementary wheels driven by power means for moving the main frame. Preferably, the main frame further includes at least one guide wheel for guiding the main frame moving between the platforms.

[0019] The first elevating part includes one pair of legs movably fitted to both sides of the main frame, for supporting one pair of the front wheels or rear wheels of the car. Preferably, the first legs support the front wheels of the car.

[0020] Preferably, the first leg has a fork form. The first leg includes two bars arranged in parallel to each other spaced a distance, and a connecting part continuously extended between the two bars.

[0021] The second elevating part includes one pair of second legs movably fitted to both sides of the main frame for supporting front or rear wheels of the car. Preferably, the second legs support the rear wheels of the car.

[0022] Preferably, the second legs have a comb form, and the second leg includes a plurality of bars arranged in parallel at fixed intervals, and a connecting part extended continuously between the bars so as to connect the plurality of bars.

[0023] The first legs, and the second legs include first and second pinion gears driven by power means, respectively, and first and second rack gears coupled with the first and second legs and engaged with the first and second pinion gears, respectively, for moving in a horizontal direction as the first and second pinion gears are rotated. Preferably, the first and second pinion gears are connected to the same power means for moving the first and second legs at the same time.

[0024] The first and second supplementary frames include first and second helical cams rotatably fitted to the main frame, respectively, and first and second rollers fitted to the first and second supplementary frames for moving up/down along sloped surfaces of the helical cams when the first and second helical cams are rotated, respectively. The first and second supplementary frames include first and second sprockets coupled to the first and second helical cams respectively, and first and second chains engaged with the first and second sprockets and driven by power means for rotating the first and second sprockets and the helical cams, respectively.

[0025] Preferably, the device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system further includes a plurality of first and second helical cams, and first and second rollers and sprockets fitted for stable supporting of the first and second supplementary frames, respectively. More preferably, the first and second chains are connected into one and driven by the same power means for moving up/down the first and second supplementary frames, simultaneously.

[0026] The first and second supplementary frames include first and second guides respectively for making stable vertical movement of the supplementary frames, and the first and second supplementary frames may further include first and second supplementary guides respectively.

[0027] The platform includes a passage for passage of the main frame, and a first seat for holding the first leg moved horizontally and second seats for holding the second legs moved vertically, while avoiding interference with vertical and horizontal movements of the second legs.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatic transfer of a car, including the steps of (a) moving a car transfer device to a first platform provided in a space for receiving a car to be parked (b) lifting the car from the first platform including the steps of moving first and second legs from the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for supporting wheels of the car, and moving up first and second supplementary frames in the car transfer device coupled with the first and second legs respectively, (c) transporting the car transfer device to a second platform provided to a parking space in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device, and (d) placing down the car on the second platform including the steps of moving down the first and second supplementary frames, and moving the first and second legs into an inside of the car transfer device.

[0029] The step (c) includes the steps of moving the car transfer device to a third platform provided to a transporting device in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device, transporting the car and the car transfer device to a second platform apart from the first platform by the transporting device, and transporting the car transfer device to the second platform in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device.

[0030] Preferably, the method further includes the step of returning the car transfer device to the third platform after the step (d).

[0031] Thus, the device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system of the present invention permits to reduce car loading/unloading time period into/out of a car parking system, thereby making the drivers convenient. Moreover, the present invention reduces the chances of the car parking system falling into out of order and mal-operation, and reduces installation and maintenance cost.

[0032] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention:

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035]FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate front views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate sections across lines A-A or A′-A′ in FIG. 1 showing details of a first leg or a second leg in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view showing a first elevating part in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate partial sections across a line B-B in FIG. 5 each showing a first supplementary frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 7 illustrates a partial plan view showing a second elevating part in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate partial sections across a line B′-B′ in FIG. 7 showing details of second supplementary frames in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 9A illustrates a partial enlarged view showing an ‘A’ part in FIG. 5 or an ‘A′’ part in FIG. 7;

[0044]FIG. 9B illustrates a partial section across a line C-C in FIG. 9A;

[0045]FIG. 10A illustrates a partial enlarged view showing a ‘B’ part in FIG. 5 or ‘B′’ part in FIG. 7;

[0046]FIG. 10B illustrates a partial section across a line D-D in FIG. 10A;

[0047]FIG. 11 illustrates a platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIGS. 12A˜12D illustrate the steps of a method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, schematically; and

[0049]FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plane and sectional view showing a parking facility according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In explaining embodiments of the present invention, same parts will be given the same names and reference symbols, and iterative explanation of which will be omitted.

[0051]FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an automatic car transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an automatic car transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A˜3C illustrate front, or back views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, referring to which the present invention will be explained.

[0052] The automatic car transfer device includes a main frame 100, and a first elevating part 200 and a second elevating part 300, both fitted to the main frame, on the whole.

[0053] The main frame 100 is designed to have an adequate strength for supporting load of a car and to permit fitting of various components, basically. The main frame 100 is configured to run by a power for itself. To do this, as shown in FIG. 1 in detail, the main frame 100 has two pairs of wheels 100 connected with an axel 120. The pair of wheels 110 are driven by a first motor 130. There are one pair of supplementary wheels 140 fitted to the main frame 100 for stable movement of the main frame 100.

[0054] The main frame 100 goes back and forth between platforms 10 to be connected so as to be continuous, actually. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 11, the platforms 10 are stages each fixedly provided in a space inside of the parking facility for parking the car therein (a car parking space), or in a space outside of the parking facility adjacent to an entrance to the parking facility for receiving a car for parking (a car receiving space), for placing the car 1 thereon. For simplicity, the car 1 is represented with the wheels only in the drawings. The platform 10 may also be formed in a device for transporting the car from the car receiving space to the car parking space and vice versa when the two spaces are far away. As shown, the platform 10 has a passage 13 for the main frame 100. The passage 13 movably receives the main frame 100, and guides the main frame 100 during transfer.

[0055] In the meantime, a width of the passage 13 is in general formed greater than a width of the main frame 100 for smooth pass of the main frame 100. However, a gap between the passage 13 and the main frame 100 may cause an unstable left/right side shaky movement of the main frame 100 within the passage 13. Therefore, it is preferable that at least one more guide wheel is fitted to the main frame 100 additionally for guiding the main frame 100 moving in the platform 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the guide wheels 150 are fitted to both sides of the main frame 100 to make a close contact with a wall surface of the passage 13. Accordingly, the guide wheels 150, rolling on the walls of the passage 13, can guide the main frame 100 to make a linear movement without leaning to left, or right side during the movement of the main frame 100. As shown, the guide wheel 150 can be rotatably fitted to the main frame 100 with brackets. Moreover, it is preferable that the guide wheels 150 are basically formed of an elastic material for absorbing impact, and an elastic member, such as a coil spring, is fitted between the guide wheel 150 and the main frame 100, additionally.

[0056] The first elevating part 200 has a system for lifting the car 1 disposed on the platform 10 by lifting some of the wheels of the car 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the first elevating part 200 includes at least a first leg 210, and a first supplementary frame 220 for movably receiving the first leg 210. The second elevating part 300 has a system for lifting rest of the wheels of the car 1 not lifted by the first elevating part 200. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, similar to the first elevating part, the second elevating part 300 has at least one second leg 310 and a second supplementary frame 320.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the first leg 210 is designed to support the wheels of the car, basically. For making stable support of the car (i.e., the wheels), the car transfer device has one pair of the first legs 210. As shown, the one pair of first legs 210 are movably fitted to the supplementary frame 220 so as to be positioned on both sides of the main frame 110 respectively, for supporting one pair of front or rear wheels. Presently, as most cars are of a front wheel drive type, it is difficult to rotate the front wheel if the transmission gears are engaged. Moreover, handle lock is occurred in most of the cars when the car shimmies following movement of the front wheels. Therefore, it is preferable that the one pair of first legs 210 support the front wheel.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, preferably, the car transfer device includes one pair of second legs 310 for making stable supporting of the wheels of the car 1. Similar to the first legs 210, the one pair of second legs 310 are movably fitted to the second supplementary frame 320 so as to be located on both sides of the main frame 100. As explained, since the first legs 210 support the front wheels, and the one pair of second legs 310 support the rear wheels. Accordingly, even if the car 1 is of a rear wheel driving type, and in a state transmission gears are engaged, the first and second legs 210 and 310 can make a stable supporting of the car 1.

[0059] In more detail, referring to FIG. 5, the first leg 210 may have a form of a fork, for being suitable to support the car wheel, but other forms may also be applicable. As shown, the leg 210 has two bars 210 a and a connecting part 210 b connecting the two bars 210 a. The two bars 210 a are fitted parallel to each other at a distance, and the connecting part 210 b is extended between the two bars 210 a.

[0060] In the meantime, once the front wheels of the car 1 is positioned on the platform 10 so as to be supported on the first legs 10, a position of the rear wheel on the platform 10 varies with a size of the car 1, in more detail, a distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel. It is preferable that the second leg 310 has a form of a comb having a greater width than the first leg 210. That is, the second leg 310 includes a plurality of bars 310 a, and a connecting part 310 b for connecting the bars 310 a. The plurality of bars 310 a are arranged parallel to each other at fixed intervals, and the connecting part 210 b is extended continuously between the bars 310 a. Owing to the second legs 310, the car transfer device can make stable supporting of the rear wheels of the car regardless of the length of the car.

[0061] Thus, the first and second legs 210 and 310 actually employ almost identical driving mechanisms, and, for convenience and simplicity of making explanation, the driving mechanisms of the legs 210 and 310 are explained all together, with reference to FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B.

[0062] For moving the first, and second legs 210 and 310, there are first and second pinion gears 211 and 311 rotatably fitted to the first and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 through the driving shafts 213 and 313 respectively, and the first and second rack gears 212 and 312 are engaged with the first and second pinion gears 211 and 311. The pinion gears 211 and 311 are rotatably connected to power means (for an example, a second motor 214) fitted to the first, and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 through driving shafts 213 and 313 respectively. The rack gears 212 and 312 are coupled with the legs 210 and 310, more precisely, to the connecting parts 210 b and 310 b, respectively. Accordingly, when the pinion gears 211 and 311 are rotated by the power means, the rack gears 212 and 312 and the legs 210 and 310 coupled thereto move in a horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 4B, when the pinion gears 211 and 311 rotate in one direction, the legs 210 and 310 are projected out of the main frame 100 owing to the horizontal movement of the rack gears 212 and 312. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the pinion gears 211 and 311 rotate in the other direction, the legs 210 and 310 are retracted back into the main frame 100.

[0063] Even though the first and second legs 210 and 310 are individually movable, it is preferable that the first and second legs 210 and 310 are movable (proj ectable) simultaneously for smooth transition to the lifting (moving up the car) of the car following the movement of the first and second legs 210 and 310. To do this, the legs 210 and 310 are connected to the same power means. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, a second motor 214 is fitted to the second supplementary frame 320, and the second pinion gear 311 is connected to the second motor 214 through the driving shaft 313. The first pinion gear 211 space away from the second motor 214 are operably coupled to the second motor 214 by using the driving shaft 213 connected to the first pinion gear 211 through an extension shaft 215 and a cupling 216. In the meantime, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, for smooth movement of the second legs 310, two pairs of second pinion and second rack gears 311 and 312 may be fitted to front part and rear part of the one pair of legs 310, respectively. In this instance, the second pinion 311 in the front part is directly connected to the second motor 214, and the second pinion 311 in the rear part is rotatably coupled to the second motor 214 through an extension shaft 315. This mechanism with single power means can reduce a weight and simplify a structure of the car transfer device.

[0064] In order not to interfere movement of the legs 210, as shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and other related drawings, the platform 10 has first and second seats 12 and 14 for the first and second legs 210 and 310. The seats 12 and 14 guides the legs 210 and 310 during movements of the legs 210 and 310, and holds the projected (or extended) legs 210 and 310.

[0065] Actually, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the legs 210 and 310 are moved out of the main frame 100 by driving elements (i.e., the pinions 211 and 311, and the rack gears 212 and 312) for supporting the wheels of the car 1 before the car is lifted. Also, once the car 1 is put down on a desired platform 10, the legs 210 and 310 are retracted back into the main frame 100. Thus, the first and second legs 210 and 310 are projected (extended) out of, or retracted back into the main frame 100 selectively according to an operating condition.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, in the first and second elevating parts 200 and 300, the first and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 movably support the legs 210 310 basically, and are movable in up/down directions. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 8A and 8B, since both ends of the connecting parts 210 b and 310 b of the legs are held in the supplementary frames 220 and 320 respectively, the movements of the legs 210 and 310 are also guided by the supplementary frames 220 and 320, respectively.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 8A and 8B, there are first and second helical cams 221 and 321 rotatably fitted to the main frame 100, and first and second rollers 222 and 322 fitted to the supplementary frames 220 and 320 so to be supported on the helical cams 221 and 321. The helical cam 221 or 321 has a sloped surface continuously formed along a circumferential direction (a rotation direction). For driving the helical cams 221 and 321, a first and second sprockets 223 and 323 are engaged with the first and second helical cams 221 and 321, and first and second chains 226 and 326 are engaged both to the helical cams 221 and 321 and a third motor 227, respectively. Both the sprockets 223 and 323 and the helical cams 221 and 321 are rotatably fitted to a bottom of the main frame 100 by pins 225 and 325 passed through the sprockets 223 and 323 and the helical cams 221 321, respectively. There are bearings 224 and 324 fitted between the pins 225 and 325 and the sprockets 223 and 323/the helical cams 221 and 321, to hold the sprockets 223 and 323/the helical cams 221 and 321 on the pins 225 325 rotatably and respectively. Accordingly, when the helical cams 221 321 are rotated by the third motor 227, the chains 226 and 326 and the sprockets 223 and 323, the rollers 222 and 322 and the supplementary frames 220 320 coupled thereto move up/down along the sloped surfaces of the helical cams 221 and 321. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 8A, if the helical cams 221 321 rotate in one direction, the rollers 222 322 roll up along the sloped surface while lifting up the supplementary frames 220 320 coupled thereto. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, opposite to this, if the helical cams 221 321 rotate in the other direction, the rollers 222 and 322 roll down along the sloped surface while moving down the supplementary frames 220 and 320 coupled thereto. Along with this, the legs 210 and 310 are also move up/down with the supplementary frames 220 and 320.

[0068] As explained, the load of the car is placed on the supplementary frames 220 and 320 through the legs 210 and 310 during the car is moved up/down. Therefore, it is preferable that a plurality of helical cams 221 and 321, and the rollers 222 and 322 and the sprockets 223 and 323 are fitted for adequate supporting of the supplementary frames 220 and 320. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown, four sets of helical cams 221 321, rollers 222 and 322, and sprockets 223 and 323 are provided to the first and second lifting parts, respectively.

[0069] Moreover, it is preferable that the first and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 are moved up/down simultaneously for making stable moving up/down of the car 1. To do this, as shown, the first and second chains 226 and 326 are connected to each other, to form a single chain. Such as single chain is engaged with the third motor 227, and supplementary sprocket 228 is employed for compensating a tension of the lengthened single chain. The supplementary sprocket 228 is configured to move back and forth so as to adjust the tension of the single chain. Accordingly, by the third motor 227 and the single chain, the helical cams 221 and 321, and rollers 222 and 322 are driven simultaneously, and according to which the first and second frames 220 and 320 are moved up/down simultaneously. By using such as driving mechanism of single chain, the car transfer device is simplified and becomes lighter.

[0070] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, it is preferable that guides 230 and 330 are provided to the supplementary frames 220 and 320 for prevention of unstable movement caused by the car load. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B in more detail, the guide 230 or 330 has a channel member 231 or 331 fixed to the main frame 100, and a pin 232 or 332 fitted to the supplementary frame 220 and 320. The channel members 231 and 331 are extended vertically along a direction of movement of the supplementary frames 220 and 320. The pins 232 and 331 are movably fitted in the channel members 231 and 33 1. Therefore, the first and second guides 230 and 330 permits a stable movement of the supplementary frames 220 and 320 without shaking. More preferably, first and second supplementary guides 240 and 340 may be fitted to the supplementary frames 220 and 320, additionally. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the supplementary guide 240 or 340 has first teeth 241 or 341 on the supplementary frames 220 or 320 and second teeth 242 or 342 on the main frame 100. The first, and second teeth 241 and 242, and 242 and 342 are extended vertically and engaged with each other. Therefore, alike the guides 230 and 330, the supplementary guides 240 and 340 also support the supplementary frames 220 and 320, for making stable movement against forward/backward direction shaking of the car transfer device.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3A˜3C, the first and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 move up when the car 1 is lifted from the platform 10, and move down when the car 1 is put down on a desired platform 10. The legs 210 and 310 are always projected while the supplementary frames 220 and 320 move up or down, and start to project out of or retract into the main frame 100 when the supplementary frames 220 and 320 are moved down, fully.

[0072] As explained, when two different platforms 10 are brought into contact such that the passages 13 thereof are connected, the car transfer device of the present invention can transfer the car, lifted by the elevating parts 200 and 300, from one platform to the other, as the main frame 100 moves through the connected passages 13. Further, since the car transfer device lifts both the front wheels and the rear wheels, more stable transfer of the car can be made.

[0073] Since the front wheels and the rear wheel are lifted together, the car could be transferred regardless of the car size and the driving type (the front wheel or the rear wheel drive). Moreover, the car can be transferred or parked in a state the transmission gears are engaged, or the parking brake is pulled up, i.e., in the most stable state.

[0074] The operation of the automatic car transfer device, and a method for automatic transfer of a car will be explained, with reference to related drawings. FIGS. 12A˜12D illustrate the steps of a method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, schematically. And, FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plane and sectional view showing a parking facility according to the present invention.

[0075] In the method of the present invention, a first platform 10 is one provided in a space for receiving a car 1 to be parked, and a second platform 20 is one provided in a space for parking the car therein. That is, the first platform 10 is located outside of the parking facility adjacent thereto, and the second platform is located inside of the parking space formed in the parking facility, such as a parking building or parking tower, actually.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 12A, when the car 1 to be parked stops at the first platform 10, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved to the first platform 10 (step 1). In this instance, after stopping the car 1 on the first platform 10 in front of the entrance to the car parking facility, the driver gives an order to an operation panel fitted at the entrance for parking the car 1 in the parking facility. It is very important for the driver to position the wheels of the car on the seats 12 and 14 in the first platform 10, so that the car transfer device ‘D’ can lift the car 1 in a following operation. In this instance, once the front wheels of the car are positioned on the first seats 12, the rear wheels are naturally positioned on the second seats 14 formed comparatively wider regardless of the distance between the front wheels and rear wheels. Thereafter, the parking facility, having received the parking order, opens the entrance, and moves the car transfer device ‘D’ to the first platform 10 outside of the parking facility. In general, since the parking facility has lots of car parking spaces (car parking chamber), with a distance between the entrance and the parking space being far away, a transporter, such as an elevator, is required for transporting the car from the entrance to the car parking space, or vice versa. For transferring the car to the second platform 20 in the car parking space by using the car transfer device ‘D’, a platform is also required in the transporter, which may be defined as a third platform 30. Accordingly, actually, the parking facility moves the transporter to the entrance, and joins the third platform 30 in the transporter to the first platform 10, such that passages thereof 13 and 33 are connected. As explained, the passages 13 and 33, provided for permitting passage of the car transfer device ‘D’, are the same. Then, when the entrance is opened, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved from the third platform 30 to an underside of the car 1 on the first platform 10. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved by the first motor 130 and the wheels 110 movably coupled to the first motor 130 guided by the guide wheels 150 along the passages 13 and 33, stably.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 12B, when the first step is finished, the car transfer device ‘D’ lifts the car 1 from the first platform (step 2).

[0078] In the step (step 2) of lifting the car, the first and second legs 210 and 310 are projected out of the car transfer device ‘D’ for supporting the wheels of the car 1 according to an order from the parking facility (step 2-1). Before the step of projecting the legs 210 (step 2-1), the parking facility aligns the car transfer device ‘D’ so that the legs 210 and 310 are inserted into the seats 12 and 14 in the first platform 10, accurately. Then, the legs 210 and 310 advance into the seats 12 and 14, and are deployed under the wheels of the car 1 at adequate lengths. As shown, for stable supporting of the car 1, the car transfer device ‘D’ employs one pair of the first and second legs 210 and 310. Moreover, as explained before, taking the driving type of the car 1 (i.e., the front wheel driving type or the rear wheel driving type), handle lock, and the like, into account, the legs 210 and 310 are arranged to support the front wheels and the rear wheels, respectively. The projection of the first and second legs 210 and 310 is made by a driving mechanism inclusive of the first and pinion gears 211 and 311, and the first and second rack gears 212 and 312, which is explained in detail before with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0079] After the step of projecting (step 2-1), the supplementary frames 220 and 320 coupled to the legs 210 and 310 move up (step 2-2).

[0080] When the supplementary frames 220 and 320 start to move up, the legs 210 and 310 are brought into contact with the car wheels at first. As the supplementary frames 220 and 320 keep moving up, the legs 210 and 310 support the wheels and lift a whole car. Once the car 1 is lifted to a preset height, the upward movements of the supplementary frame 220 and 320 are stopped. At the end, the front and rear wheels of the car 1 are freed as the car wheels are separated from the first platform 10. Since all the front wheels and rear wheels are lifted, the car can be transferred even if the transmission gears are engaged, or the parking brake is pulled up. Along with this, as explained, the first and second supplementary frames 220 and 320 move up at the same time such that a stable car lifting can be made. Therefore, the car transfer device satisfies the best condition required for making a stable movement of the car. The moving up of the supplementary frames 220 and 320 is made by a driving mechanism inclusive of the helical cams 221 and 321 and the rollers 222 and 322, of which explanation is already given in association with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 12C, upon finishing the step 2, the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 to the second platform 20 (step 3).

[0082] In the transfer step (step 3), the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 up to the third platform 30 (step 3-1) at first. After the step of moving the car transfer device ‘D’ (step 1), the entrance to the parking facility is left open, and the third platform 30, in contact with the first platform 10, is also at standby. Accordingly, under the instruction from the parking facility, the car transfer device ‘D’ moves along the connected passages 13 and 33, with the front wheels and the rear wheels lifted.

[0083] Then, the transporter, the elevator, transports the car and the car transfer device from the first platform 10 to the second platform 20 (step 3-2). At first, the parking facility moves the transporter to the entrance of the second platform 20. Then, the third platform 30 and the second platform 20 are joined such that the passages 23 and 33 are connected. As explained, the third platform 30 has a passage identical to the first, or second platform 10 or 20. In general, though the space the second platform 20 is opened, if the entrance is closed with a device, the entrance is opened before the third platform is connected.

[0084] Moreover, during the step of transporting (step 3-2), since it is not required to put down the car 1 on the third platform 30, the car 1 is maintained in a lifted up state by the transfer device ‘D’. Therefore, the seats for the legs 210 and 310 may not be formed in the 30.

[0085] After the step of transporting (step 3-2), the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 to the second platform 20 (step 3-3). In this instance, the car transfer device ‘D’ moves along the passages 23 and 33 connected from the third platform 30 to the second platform 20. During the movement, the front wheels and the rear wheels are kept lifted. Thereafter, the parking facility aligns the car transfer device ‘D’ such that the legs 210 are placed down on the seat 22 in the platform 20, accurately.

[0086] As explained in the steps 1˜3, the car transfer device ‘D’ comes out of the parking facility and takes the car on the first platform 10 into an inside of the car parking facility, directly. Therefore, since the driver is not required to drive the car into the parking facility the same as the related art parking facility, the parking facility of the present invention is convenient to the drivers.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12D, when the third step is finished, the car transfer device ‘D’ places down the car 1 on the second platform 20 (step 4).

[0088] In the step of placing down the car (step 4), the supplementary frames 220 and 320 are moved down together with the legs 210 and 310 fitted thereto (step 4-1). When the supplementary frame 220 and 320 are moved down to some extent, the wheels of the car 1 come into contact with the second platform 20 at first. When the supplementary frames 220 and 320 are moved down further, the wheels are supported on the second platform 20. At the same time with this, the legs 210 and 310 are separated from the front and rear wheels as the legs 210 and 310 are inserted into the seats 22 and 24. Once the legs 210 and 310 are inserted in the seats 22 and 24 fully, the moving down of the supplementary frames 220 and 320 is stopped. By the step of moving down (step 4-1), the car 1 is parked on the second platform 20, actually.

[0089] After the step of moving down (step 4-1), the legs 210 and 310 are retracted back into the car transfer device ‘D’ (step 4-2). The legs 210 and 310, guided not only by the supplementary frames 220 and 320 but also by the seat 22 and 24, are retracted gradually back into the car transfer device ‘D’ fully.

[0090] In the foregoing steps (steps 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3), all the driving mechanism and the operation thereof related to the legs 210 and 310, and the supplementary frames 220 and 320 are identical to the explanation given with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, 8A and 8B.

[0091] In the meantime, when the parked car 1 is to be taken out of the parking facility, the foregoing all steps (steps 1 to 4) are carried out oppositely. That is, the car 1 is transferred from the second platform 20 to the third platform 30 in a state the car 1 is lifted by the car transfer device ‘D’, and the third platform 30 is transported to the first platform 10 at the entrance of the parking facility. Then, the car 1 is moved from the third platform 30 to the first platform 10, and placed down on the first platform, for the driver. Because all the steps of taking out the car is the same with the foregoing steps (steps 1 to 4) substantially, any further explanation will be omitted.

[0092] In the meantime, it is preferable that the car transfer device ‘D’ is returned to the third platform 30, after finish of the parking (i.e., after the step 4), so that the car transfer device ‘D’ is readily transportable to the first, or second platform 10 or 20, when parking or taking out of the car 1 is request as the third platform 30 is positioned between the first and second platforms 10 and 20. On the same reason, it is required that the car transfer device ‘D’ is returned to the third platform 30 after the taking out of the car is finished, too.

[0093] In a general parking system, a pallet can not move for itself, to require being put/taken into/out of a parking space in a passive fashion. Moreover, the pallet itself is heavy and bulky. Accordingly, a moving speed of the pallet is relatively slow. Opposite to this, as explained in the present invention, according to an optimized automatic car transfer method, a small sized automatic car transfer device ‘D’ moves for itself with a car loaded thereon, places the car into the parking space in the parking system, or takes the car out of the parking system. Accordingly, the present invention can shorten a time required for parking/taking out a car into/out of a parking system.

[0094] Moreover, since the car transfer device is movable for itself, the car transfer device is movable to a standby position for the next operation at once when an instructed operation (for an example, a parking operation) is finished. In comparison to the related art parking system, the present invention requires no taking/placing an empty pallet out of/into the parking space. These features permit a continuous loading/unloading of the car into/out of the parking system, to shorten the time period required for loading/unloading the car into/out of the parking system.

[0095] Eventually, the short time period required for loading/unloading the car, with consequent short waiting time period at the entrance of the parking system, makes the drivers convenient. Moreover, since the car transfer system of the present invention transfers the car into/out of the parking system directly, the present invention makes the drivers more convenient.

[0096] On the other hand, the car transfer system of the present invention is small and has a simple structure. Therefore, the car transfer system of the present invention has less chances of out of order or mal-operation, low installation and maintenance cost, and little vibration and noise during operation.

[0097] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device and method for automatic transfer of a vehicle of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system comprising: a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car thereon; a first elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting some of wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including; at least one first leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a first supplementary frame for moving up together with the first leg; and a second elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting rest of the wheels of the car to a preset height from the platform, including; at least one second leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting the wheels, and a second supplementary frame for moving up together with the second leg, thereby transferring the car lifted by the first and second elevating parts to another platform the main frame desires.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame includes wheels and supplementary wheels driven by power means for moving the main frame.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the main frame further includes at least one guide wheel for guiding the main frame moving between the platforms.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first elevating part includes one pair of legs movably fitted to both sides of the main frame, for supporting one pair of the front wheels or rear wheels of the car.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first legs support the front wheels of the car.
 6. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first leg has a fork form.
 7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first leg includes; two bars arranged in parallel to each other spaced a distance, and a connecting part continuously extended between the two bars.
 8. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second elevating part includes; one pair of second legs movably fitted to both sides of the main frame for supporting front or rear wheels of the car.
 9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second legs support the rear wheels of the car.
 10. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second legs have a comb form.
 11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second leg includes; a plurality of bars arranged in parallel at fixed intervals, and a connecting part extended continuously between the bars so as to connect the plurality of bars.
 12. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first legs, and the second legs include; first and second pinion gears driven by power means, respectively, and first and second rack gears coupled with the first and second legs and engaged with the first and second pinion gears, respectively, for moving in a horizontal direction as the first and second pinion gears are rotated.
 13. A device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second pinion gears are connected to the same power means for moving the first and second legs at the same time.
 14. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second supplementary frames include; first and second helical cams rotatably fitted to the main frame, respectively; and first and second rollers fitted to the first and second supplementary frames for moving up/down along sloped surfaces of the helical cams when the first and second helical cams are rotated, respectively.
 15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first and second supplementary frames include; first and second sprockets coupled to the first and second helical cams respectively, and first and second chains engaged with the first and second sprockets and driven by power means for rotating the first and second sprockets and the helical cams, respectively.
 16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, further comprising a plurality of first and second helical cams, and first and second rollers and sprockets fitted for stable supporting of the first and second supplementary frames, respectively.
 17. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second chains are connected into one and driven by the same power means for moving up/down the first and second supplementary frames simultaneously.
 18. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second supplementary frames include first and second guides respectively for making stable vertical movement of the supplementary frames, and the first and second guides include first and second channel members extended in a vertical direction respectively, and first and second pins fixed to the first and second supplementary frames and held inside of the first and second channel members, respectively.
 19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first and second supplementary frames further include first and second supplementary guides respectively, and the first and the second supplementary guides includes first teeth extended in a vertical direction from the first and second supplementary frames respectively, and second teeth extended in a vertical direction from the main frame for engagement with the first teeth.
 20. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform includes a passage for passage of the main frame.
 21. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform includes; a first seat for holding the first leg moved horizontally while avoiding interference with vertical and horizontal movements of the first leg.
 22. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform includes second seats for holding the second legs moved vertically while avoiding interference with vertical and horizontal movements of the second legs.
 23. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platforms include; a first platform provided at a location for receiving the car to be parked, third platforms provided in intermediate devices each for transporting the car to a parking space, and a second platform provided in the parking space.
 24. A method for automatic transfer of a car, comprising the steps of: (a) moving a car transfer device to a first platform provided in a space for receiving a car to be parked; (b) lifting the car from the first platform including the steps of; moving first and second legs from the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for supporting wheels of the car, and moving up first and second supplementary frames in the car transfer device coupled with the first and second legs, respectively; (c) transporting the car transfer device to a second platform provided to a parking space in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device; and (d) placing down the car on the second platform including the steps of; moving down the first and second supplementary frames, and moving the first and second legs into an inside of the car transfer device.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the car transfer device is movable by a power means and wheels movably fitted to the power means.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the car is lifted by one pair of first legs movably fitted on both sides of the main frame for supporting one pair of front wheels or rear wheels of the car.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the one pair of first legs support the front wheels.
 28. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the car is lifted by one pair of second legs movably fitted to both sides of the main frame for lifting one pair of the front wheels or the rear wheels of the car.
 29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the one pair of second legs support the rear wheels of the car.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first and second legs are movable by first and second pinion gears driven by power means, and first and second rack gears coupled to the first and second legs and engaged with the first and second pinion gears, respectively, for moving in a horizontal direction following rotation of the pinion gears.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first and second supplementary frames are movable by first and second helical cams rotatably fitted to the main frame, and first and second rollers respectively fitted to the first and second supplementary frames for moving up/down along the sloped surfaces of the helical cams when the first and second helical cams are rotated.
 32. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the step (c) includes the steps of, moving the car transfer device to a third platform provided to a transporting device in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device, transporting the car and the car transfer device to a second platform apart from the first platform by the transporting device, and transporting the car transfer device to the second platform in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device.
 33. A method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step of returning the car transfer device to the third platform after the step (d). 